Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: McKinlay Store Ledger
Dates: 1850-1852
Collection Number: ARC 639
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 account book (6 x 30 x 44 cm.) in case box (7 x 32 x 45 cm.); 1 cubic ft.
Repository:
Monterey Public Library
Monterey, California 93940
Abstract: Store account register (July 1850-December 1852) includes customer names and purchases from the McKinlay store located at
Pacific and Pearl streets.
Language of Material: English
Access
By appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Publication Rights
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item]. McKinlay Store Ledger. Collection Number: ARC 639. Monterey Public Library
Acquisition Information
Donated by Brian Rianda in 2011
Biography/Administrative History
James McKinlay, born about 1804 in Sterling, Scotland, went to sea as a young man. Arriving in Santa Barbara in 1824, he deserted
the ship and made his way to Monterey where he was first employed by Jose Amesti on his ranch making barrels. He became an
agent for Captain J.B.R. Cooper and eventually owned a schooner trading on the California coast as well as a partner in the
trading firm of Fitch and Paty. In 1848, he married Carmen, daughter of Amesti, and became a ranchero. They had four children.
McKinlay owned several Monterey buildings, including the Alvarado building and the Pacific House, besides his store. He was
a prominent resident of Monterey, became fairly wealthy, and served on the town council during the early American period.
He died in Monterey in 1875.
Scope and Content of Collection
Entries arranged chronologically within ledgers.
